If you liked The Perks of Being a Wallflower & you haven’t read this book yet, here’s the new #1 priority on your to-reads list.

It’s been on my raIf you liked The Perks of Being a Wallflower & you haven’t read this book yet, here’s the new #1 priority on your to-reads list.

It’s been on my radar in a low-key way for years, but it took the news of Ned Vizzini’s suicide for me to finally pick it up. I recently read a different popular YA book that deals with suicide and had found it inauthentic, but wondered if it was just because the author’s depiction didn’t match my understanding of what pushes someone towards suicide - it wasn’t my flavour of depression, as I described it to a friend. It’s Kind of a Funny Story, on the other hand, is exactly my flavour. The frustration, malaise, and despair is palpable. I can viscerally understand on a general and personal level Craig’s ways of thinking, even if I haven’t experienced the way his depression manifests. The book resonated with me, and I think would do the same for many YA (and adult) readers, including those who have no personal experience with depression. Sometimes we all get stuck in the thinking phase, and Craig’s ability to break that paralysis is inspiring.

1981 - 2013. Rest in peace.

If you need to talk to someone about your depression or suicidal feelings, call the Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 for support....more

Liked this one quite a lot. Reminded me of Mike Mullin's Ashfall in the best possible way. I think Lynn and Darla (from Ashfall) would definitely getLiked this one quite a lot. Reminded me of Mike Mullin's Ashfall in the best possible way. I think Lynn and Darla (from Ashfall) would definitely get along - yay for capable and kickass teens....more